Polygamy. A Play in Four Acts

P

O

L

Y

G

A

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A Play in Four Acts.

By Harvey O'Higgins and Harriet Ford.

Copyright, 1915

By Harvey O'Higgins and Harriet Ford.

Y.

C A S T. Daniel Whitman.

Zina, his wife.

Brigham Kemble, her brother.

Annis Grey, a widow.

Moroni Tanner, her father.

Nephi Kemble, the father of Zina and Brigham.

Esther, their mother.

Rhoda Lorenzo,

) ) ) -- Children of Zina and Daniel.

Bathsheba Tanner

)

Charlotte Tanner

)

Clara Tanner

)

Matilda Tanner

)

Augusta Strong

)

Emeline Strong

) ----Relief Society women.

Helen Fenton, a Gentile girl.

Ezra Strong. an Apostle.

Brother Rush.

Brother McHugh.

The Prophet.

His Secretary.

A Temple Guard.

Apostles.

TIME:

The Present

PLACE:

Salt Lake City.

ACT I:

A living room at the Whitman's.

ACT II:

A room at the Temple.

ACTS III & IV: The same as Act I.

A C T

I.

Living room at Whitman's. Two windows R. opening on the street. Door R. center at back opening into hallway from street. Door L. center at back opening into Zina and Dan's bedroom. Door L. opening into the children's room.

Mahogany furniture. A few pictures on the walls, some bric a brac, and a flower vase filled with small cut flowers on table down L. Curtains on windows R., also shades. The window up R. must be practical. Desk or secretary R. between windows. Chair below desk R. Easy chair front of desk R. Above window up R. and R. of door R. center, is a small sewing table with needles, thread, thimbles, etc. Left of door R. center a chair.

L. of this chair a small whatnot. Center at back a bookcase about five feet high, filled carelessly with books. Top of bookcase a jardiniere with ferns and three or four ornaments or metal vases to dress. On wall above bookcase two pictures set equal distance from the center, the one on the R. being a trifle higher than the one on the L. L. of this bookcase and R. of door L. center a chair. L. of door L. center, and running parallel to L. wall, an upright piano with stool. Rug in front of piano. On piano, an electric table lamp and a small vase of cut flowers. Below piano and above door L. a chair. Below door L. a small table with a brass vase of pink hanging flowers. A table just L. of center with four low-back chairs around it. (These four chairs must be low-backed, as they are used during this Act to place the quilting frame upon.) Down R. of table a couch or lounge with arms at each end, but no back.

Brackets on walls R. and L. AT RISE, DISCOVERED: Lorenzo, seated R. of table center, reading book. He rises impatiently, closing book and slamming it on table. He crosses impatiently toward window down R., looking around as if seeking something to occupy his time. He suddenly discovers his Uncle Brig's pipe on the desk R. between windows. He picks up the pipe, looks at it, glances around the room to see if anyone might be looking and takes some matches from his pocket, lights the pipe. He stands smoking contentedly for a few seconds, and just as he is about to sit on the lounge, RHODA'S VOICE is heard speaking off L.

2 Rhoda (Outside) Oh, don't go, don't go, Uncle Brig.

Brig.

I've got to go, because I've got to go to work.

Rhoda What have you got to work for?

Brig.

Because I have to earn my living.

(LORENZO hearing them, puts pipe on window sill and hurriedly crosses to chair R. of table R. center, picking up book and pretending to read, as they enter.)

Rhoda (Entering L. with Brig, crossing to table R. center and sitting in chair back of table.)

Why do you have to earn your living, Uncle Brig?

Brig.

(Crossing R. to couch.)

Because I'm a poor old bachelor and I haven't any wife to support me.

Rhoda Well Father has a wife.

Brig.

Oh, his wife's kept busy supporting you and Rennie here.

(Looking around for his pipe.)

What did I do with my pipe?

Rhoda Why do you smoke, Uncle Brig?

Brig.

(Crossing to back of Rhoda) Well, you see I suffer a great deal with cold teeth.

Rhoda Cold teeth?

Brig.

Yes -- I smoke to keep'em comfortable.

(Crossing to L.) Rhoda Oh, is that because you've got apostacy?

Apostacy?

Brig.

Where did you hear that?

Rhoda I don't know -- they all say you've got it.

Brig.

Well, I guess that's right.

3 Rhoda What is it, Uncle Brig?

Brig.

(Crossing R. front of table) Apostacy? Well, you get religion when you're young, and then when you're cured of it, it's apostacy.

Rhoda Oh, what does it feel like?

Brig.

(Finding his pipe on window sill) It feels a good deal like leprosy, in this end of the country.

(Feeling his pipe) Who's been -(Looking at Rennie) This pipe's warm.

(Crossing to Rennie. Taking him by the collar.)

Say, you young Mormon, have you been breaking the Word of Wisdom?

(Rennie looks up guiltily) You've been smoking.

Rennie Well, you smoke.

(Brig. releases Rennie who sits) Rhoda Oh, Rennie, you'll be damned.

Brig.

If I tell your mother, you'll get well tanned.

Rennie You won't tell Mother.

Brig.

Haven't you been taught if you smoke you'll go to Hell?

Bennie How about you?

Brig.

Doesn't matter about me. I got my ticket there long ago and you want to be careful in this community (Rennie rises and shows signs of sickness.) you don't get any return trip either.

(Notices Rennie's condition.)

You poor little devil -- made yourself sick, eh?

Rennie No, I haven't -- it's awful hot in here.

Brig.

You'd better get upstairs and hide yourself somewhere.

4 Rhoda Rennie, what'll Mother say?

Rennie If you tell Mother, I'll make it hot for you.

Brig.

(Hearing someone in hallway off R. center.)

There comes somebody now. You chase yourself out of here.

Zina (Enters at door R. C.) Rhoda (Running to Zina) Mother -- Rennie's sick.

Zina (In alarm) Rennie, what's the matter?

What is it, Brig?

Brig.

Oh, he's got his stomach out of order with something –nothing serious, Zina.

Zina Why, darling, how white you are! for the Doctor.

Brig, we'd better 'phone

Oh, it's nothing.

Brig.

He's been fooling with my pipe.

Zina Oh, Rennie, you naughty boy.

Brig.

Oh, it's my fault -- I shouldn't have left it around.

Zina What had we better do for him?

Brig.

Leave him alone -- let him get the full benefit of it.

It'll cure his curiosity.

Zina Come get some air.

(Taking Rennie up to window up R. and opening it.

Rennie, what will your father say?

Brig.

Oh, don't tell him.

Zina (Coming down to Brig.)

Well, I don't think you ought to smoke here, Brig -- you set a bad example.

5 Brig.

I won't any more Zina. I seem to make trouble everywhere don't I? (Down to back of couch) Zina (Following Brig.)

You needn't say that now, Brig.

Brig.

Oh, well, I'm in the dumps.

You know I didn't mean it.

I've had a bad night.

Zina What about?

Brig.

My life is an awful mess. I'm no good to myself or anybody else. Annis has been trying to jack me up.

Zina Annis is very fond of you, Brig.

Yes, come What make me.

Brig. and what's the sense of it -- they'll never let it to anything. Her father'll never let her marry me.

I ought to do is to go out and got beastly drunk, and her so disgusted with me that she'll hate the sight of

Zina If you'd only stop fighting the Church and criticizing the Prophet, and flaunting it in everybody's face –- if you'd only let them think you believe in it.

Brig.

Well, I'm a poor bum, but I'm not going to add hypocrisy to my other faults.

Zina Then, why don't you go away where they can't persecute you, and make a fresh start?

Brig.

Everybody I care about is here.

Besides, I've got an idea you people don't know what you're up against, and I stick around in the hope I'll be able to help you.

Zina What do you mean -- up against?

(Rennie comes down.)

Brig.

Ok, I don't know. It'll only make it worse to talk about it. I guess I'm just blue Rennie I'm feelin' awful sick.

6 Brig.

(Laughing) I'll take him upstairs, Zina, and fix him up.

(To Rennie) Come on you young sinner. You've started on the downward path, you have.

(As they cross to door L.) You'll be guzzling tea and coffee next. You're headed straight for ruin.

Rennie (At door L.) Aw, shut up, Uncle Brig. I'm sick –(EXIT Brig and Rennie through door L.) Zina (Going to Rhoda at table putting her arm about her.)

How is my darling girl getting on with her composition?

Rhoda Not very good, mother.

Annis (Off stage) (R. C. at back to Helen) You go in, Helen. I'll be in directly.

Helen (Off stage R. C.) All right.

Zina (Running up to door) Do come in, Helen.

Helen (Entering) Well, just for a moment. I've had a lovely run. Do you know, I think the country here is as beautiful as it is in Italy around Florence.

Zina It's the Lombardy poplars made you think of that.

Helen Why, so it is. You've got so many and you don't see them anywhere else in the West.

Zina No. One of the Presidents of our Church brought the first of them back with him when he returned form a mission to Italy.

(Annis enters) Helen How interesting!

(Crossing to Rhoda) Well, Rhoda -Zina (To Annis) Brig was here just now, Annis.

7 Annis Was he -- all right?

Zina Yes -- fearfully blue.

(Zina and Annis talk apart.)

Helen (Leaning over Rhoda) Why, Rhoda, haven't you finished yet?

Rhoda No, I'm stuck.

Helen (Reading over Rhoda's shoulder) "Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet was the greatest man which ever lived. He had twenty-seven wives given unto him and only eight children, and he was killed by very wicked men -Rhoda That's as far as I can get.

Helen You shouldn't kill him so soon.

(Sits L. of table.)

You ought to do that last.

Rhoda I don't know anything in between.

(To Helen) Can't you tell us something to put in?

Helen I don't know a thing about it. We gentiles are fearfully ignorant about Mormon Prophets you know.

Rhoda Didn't you have to learn about them in school?

Helen No, that's one of the things they don't teach us in the East.

Rhoda Mother knows about it, and went to your school, didn't she?

Helen Yes, but you see, your Mother learned it here before she went there.

Rhoda (holding paper to Zina) Well, you help me, Mother.

Zina What is?

(Takes paper and reads it)

8 Rhoda (Continuing her speech) Thas's all I know about the Prophet.

Zina Well, why don't you say that the world was in sin and darkness when the angels came to Joseph Smith with a message from the Lord to bring men back to the truth?

Rhoda Well, that isn't much.

Zina And when Joseph died, the Truth didn't die. It lives with good men like Grandpa Kemble and all the Apostles of our Church.

Rhoda Yes? Zina And you can say they have angels visit them too.

Rhoda Grandpa Kemble?

Zina Yes Rhoda What for?

Zina To tell us what we're to do. You can say that's why we are so much wiser and happier than all the rest of the world.

(Smiling at Helen) Helen You certainly seem happier than most of the rest of the world. You get that out of your religion, anyway, don't you? You haven't any of the doubts that bother the rest of us.

Annis Perhaps you doubt because you have lost your faith.

Helen I suppose so.

Dan (Enters R.C) Rhoda (Sees Dan and runs up to him, speaking as she does so.)

Father, did angels ever visit you?

Dan Yes, dear, two of them, a big one and a little one.

9 Rhoda I mean a really one -- like came to Joseph and Grandpa Kemble.

Dan Oh, I'm not an Apostle.

Helen What do you have to do to be an Apostle?

Dan Well, you see, there are twelve Apostles, and when one dies his successor is chosen from the priesthood.

Helen Then you have to be a priest first?

Dan We are all priests, all Mormon men.

Helen You mean you preach?

Dan Yes, and go as missionaries. I spent four years in Germany myself.

Helen Why, Zina, I didn't know you had been to Germany?

Zina Oh, I didn't go.

Dan We have to leave our wives and children and go wherever the Prophet sends us.

Helen Isn't that romantic?

Rhoda Don't you ever be an Apostle, father.

Dan (Laughing) Why not?

Rhoda 'Cause they all have whiskers.

Dan Don't you like men with whiskers?

Rhoda I don't like to kiss them.

Zina (Handing books to Rhoda) Now Rhoda, you must go to your room and finish your lessons. Take my hat upstairs, will you, dear?

10 Rhoda (Exits L. Zina crossing with her, but remaining on stage) Dan (Crossing C.) What are you going to do today, sweetheart?

Zina Oh, quilting, quilting, quilting. Dan, will you move that table up here?

(Indicating door L.C.) Help me with this Helen, will you please?

(Indicating quilting frame which is in the room off L.) Everybody's coming. All the sisters.

Helen (Helping Zina with quilting frame) Sisters? Ara they nuns?

Zina Who? Helen The sisters.

(During this they have gotten the quilting frame und brought it on stage. Annis and Dan have arranged the four lowbacked chairs which are around the table C. so that the quilting frame will rest on them.)

Zina (Laughing) Oh, do I look like a nun?

Relief Society, you know. the poor.

We're all sisters. It's the We're making quilts for

Helen Oh, that's fine.

Dan And discussing all the affairs of the Kingdom across the quilts.

Helen Isn't it strange to call it a Kingdom?

(Turns to Annis who is threading needles) Zina (Crossing to Dan R.) Dan, has the Prophet said anything more to you about Congress?

Dan No, but I've got an appointment with him this morning on business and I expect him to say whether he wants me to go to Washington, or not.

(Zina shows pleasure) You want to go, I can see that.

Why wouldn't I? years.

Zina I've scarcely been away from Salt Lake for

11 Dan Well, I like it better than my German mission. They let me take you and the children to Washington.

Zina I'll be glad if the Church wants you now for a politician instead of a preacher. I couldn't stand another four years like those when you were in Germany.

Dan Well, you won't have to.

Zina Oh, you dear old thing!

(Dan kisses her) Dan, if the Prophet does want you to go to Washington, you'll come back and tell us, won't you?

Helen (Turns and sees Dan and Zina) Dan Hot feet!

Helen Oh, stop your spooning. You make me lonely.

(Crossing to them front of table.)

I had the funniest ideas stout Mormons. I thought the women were all miserable and the husbands had as many wives ae Solomon, and it was all as crazy as Artemus Ward's romance about the man who proposed for the seventy-four hands of another man's thirty-seven widows, and there isn't any polygamy at all, is there?

(Zina and Annis both show their uneasiness.)

Dan (Exchanging looks with Zina) Well, you see polygamy was withdrawn from practice by a Revelation through our Prophet before Utah was admitted to the Union.

Helen (Hesitatingly) I thought, from Rhoda's composition, that perhaps you still believed in it.

Zina Why, Helen -Dan We still hold that it was a principle divinely ordained for the salvation of the world, but the command to practice it has been suspended.

Helen Oh, I see --Dan {Looking at his watch) It's eleven o'clock. I've got to go.

Helen And so have I.

12 Dan (Going up to door R.C.) I'll drop you at your hotel if you want to come in the machine with me.

Helen Oh, thank you!

Zina When shall I see you again, Helen?

Helen (Kisses Zina) I'll call you up in the morning.

Good-bye, Annis.

Annis Good—bye.

(Exit Dan and Helen L.C.) Zina I hate having to deceive Helen about polygamy, don't you?

Annis Oh, don't let's talk about it.

Zina Well, Annis, the gossips are busy again.

Annis What about -- Brig?

Zina A young widow and her old lover, you know.

Annis (Sitting in chair L. of table) I wish to Heaven I could marry him.

Zina I wish you could too.

Annis I couldn't care a cent about his drinking -- I could stop that, but this trouble with the Church -Zina Yes -- if he'd only make a pretence of believing.

Annis He won't -- I've tried it.

Zina It's a shame -- he's such a fine fellow really. It isn't because he's my brother that I -Annis He never would have gone the way he has if the Church hadn't prevented our marrying -- in the first place.

13 Zina I wonder if I could get father to persuade the Prophet to let you marry now.

Annis My father wouldn't consent and he'll never let the Prophet consent -(Annis rises) but they can't prevent me from seeing him, and I'm going to be with him all I can.

Zina I think you are quite right.

Bath.

(Enters door R.C. at back) How are you, Zina?

Zina (Coming to Bathsheba) Good morning, Bathsheba Bath.

You here, Annis? I thought I was ahead of everybody.

(Taking off her things) I pride myself on getting one fan more than anybody else does at a quilting. I've worked on 736 quits and I've done 2322 fans when I get this one finished.

Zina I don't see how you remember the number.

Bath.

(Taking her place at the lower L. hand corner of the quilt) Well, I'm working for a record.

(After she sits) I passed Daniel on my way here. He's getting stout. I guess you pamper him up pretty well, don't you?

Zina Well, since he got back from his German mission, we've neither of us wanted to do anything else but look after each other. We're making up for lost time.

Bath.

(With a snort) I tell these men they're all of them spoilt by their wives.

There's your father, Annis -- he has five of us and it takes us a right smart piece of our time looking after his comfort.

(Enter AUGUSTA and EMELINE, at door R.C. at back.)

Emeline How d'y do, Zina?

Augusta (Speaking with her) Good morning, Zina.

Hello, Annis.

14 Zina How d'y do, Sister Emeline.

(Shakes hands) How are you, Augusta. You're looking awfully well.

Emeline (Having crossed to up C. and removes her hat and wraps, now crosses down to upper R. corner of quilting frame, speaking as she comes down.)

I thought you'd let me have the record for quilting, Bathsheba -- you have so many things.

Bathsheba Good Lord, woman, if I thought you wanted it I'd have stopped long ago.

Go ahead and I'll slow up.

Zina (To Augusta) Isn't that a new hat?

Augusta Yes. How do you like it?

Bath.

One thing certain – Augusta'll never take the record away from you. She's satisfied if she only looks pretty for Ezra.

Augusta (Crossing to R. hand corner above quilting frame, speaking as she crosses.)

Well, I've noticed that men have better eyes for fine looks than they have for fine stitches.

Annis (Crosses L. and sits front of quilt at L. corner) Emeline (Nods) Uh-uh.

ESTHER (ENTERS R.C.) Zina Oh, here's Mother.

(Runs to her, kisses her, and helps her with her things) How are you today?

Esther Oh, I'm all right, but worried.

Zina What about?

Esther Where's Daniel?

He's gone.

Zina Did you want him for anything?

15 Esther Yes, I wanted to talk to him about Briggy. I'm worried about him. Have you seen your brother to-day?

Zina Yes -- he can't keep away from the children.

Esther Now, Zina, when Daniel starts his new sugar factory I want him to give Briggy a position there to get him away from newspaper work. I don't think that sort of life is good for him -- there are too many temptations in it.

Zina I'll speak to Dan. Where do you want to sit, Mother?

(She moves a comfortable chair from desk R. to lower corner of quilt frame R.) Esther Oh, I might as well sit down here by Emeline.

(Takes her place and prepares to sew) CHARLOTTE (ENTERS quickly and busily, followed by MATILDA) She speaks as she crosses to C. above quilt) It's all Matilda's fault if I'm late.

I've spent the 'ole mornin' sewin' buttons on Moroni's shirts.

It tikes me the 'ole week to get 'im ready to go to Bathsheba's house.

Matilda Well, I have got more children as you have got, and anyway, there is four of you to do it. Moroni says he sooner I have many childrens as he have many buttons.

Augusta (Languidly) If I know anything about men, you won't need to worry much longer, nor you either, Bathsheba, since this new wife came from Boston.

Bath.

Well, I don't care how many wives he has, nor how much he stays with them. The less time he's at my house, the more time I have for my children and my church duties.

Esther That's all very well for you, Bathsheba, but you mustn't expect these young people to have your point of view.

Bath.

I don't suppose that appeals much to you Augusta. As far as I've been able to see, the only principle of the gospel you ever did embrace, was polygamy.

Augusta Well, it's the only principle they seem to be very particular about having us women embrace.

16

Bath.

Well, I don't notice you are doing your part helping to increase the Kingdom.

Aug. Oh, there are enough children in Ezra's family. He's got forty-three now. I guess I'll be doing my part if I help to bring some of them up.

Forty—three!

Church.

Charlotte Why, 'e's got most the largest family in the

BRIG (ENTERS R.C.)(He has a debonnaire jag) Hello, sisters.

Bath.

Here's Brig.

Aug. Hello, Briggy.

Brig.

(Greets them all, then crosses down to his mother and kisses her.)

Mornin', Mommie.

Esther Why, Briggy, I haven't seen you for days.

(Aa Brig attempts to kiss her, she smells the liquor on his breath) Oh, my boy, my boy.

Brig.

Why, what's the matter?

(Turns to Zina and looks inquiringly at her) Zina Oh, Brig!

Brig Hello, Augusta. Just as beautiful as ever, ain't you? And you know it just as well.

Aug. You men don't seem likely to let me forget it.

Brig.

Why, Matilda.

Matilda Good morning, Broder Kemble.

17 Bath.

He doesn't want to be called Brother Kemble.

Brig.

Oh, I've been called so many things.

(Works to L. of quilt in back.)

I used to be Elder Kimble when I was a kid. Now when I'm not around I understand you call me the "awful example".

Zina (Sits in chair R. and front of quilt.)

Bath.

Well, you deserve it.

Brig.

Sure, I do. It's a vocation for me. I there weren't any sinners in the world, more of you saviours would be out of a job.

Bath.

We all have our hands full trying to do anything for you.

Esther Oh, Bathsheba if we didn't know you, we'd think you were unjust to Briggy.

Brig.

(Crossing down to Annis) Hello, Annis.

Annis (Looks beseechingly at him) Brig.

(Looks at Annis for a moment and then gradually turns away as if he feels the reproach in her looks) CLARA (ENTERS as Brig turns away from Annis) I'm sorry I'm so late.

Brig.

(Turning as he hears Clara's voice) He11o, here's the latest Mrs. Tanner.

Zina (Crossing up you aara) Oh, we've just begun.

Brig.

I will say Apostle Tanner's eyes are just as good as they were thirty years ago. He picks 'em out clear across the continent to Boston.

18 Clara (Greatly disturbed) I don't see how you are to talk that way.

(Takes her place L. of Charlotte at back of quilt) Oh don't mind me. iniquity.

Brig.

Nobody minds me.

I'm just the voice of

Bath.

You're more than the voice of iniquity, Brig. You're the practice of it.

Brig.

(To Clara) You don't know about this mission of mine, do you?

Every BODY else around here was so good they just grabbed me for a sinner and hung it all onto me.

Bath.

Well, if you don't like it, why don't you brace up.

Brig.

You good people never do anything to repent of, so I have to keep you all busy repenting for me. Why, if I stopped, the whole principle of repentance would have to be dropped from the scheme of salvation.

Esther Oh, don't, Briggy.

Brig.

(Crossing R. be—low table to his mother) That's all right, Mommie. I'm a child of promise, ain't I? Don't worry about me.

Esther You make me very unhappy.

Bath.

You're too fond of the wine of Babylon, Brigham -- that's what's the matter with you.

Brig.

(Crossing to couch and sitting) Well, Sister Bathsheba, your husband is President of the Church stores and somebody's got to patronize their big whiskey department. It keeps me pretty busy.

Charlotte Moroni says they only keep hit there for medicine.

Brig That's what I drink it for -- medicine.

Bath It's against God's revelation to drink it, Brig.

19 Brig.

Well, it doesn't seem to be against His revelation to sell it.

Clara (Rising nervously) Sister Tanner -- Sister Bathsheba -Bath.

Call me Bathsheba. Moroni wants all his wives to call each other by their first names.

I don't know what you call him -- we call him Mr. Tanner when we're first married to him, but we call him Moroni after we get better acquainted.

Clara Oh -- I haven't called him anything yet but he and him -Charlotte (Breaking in) Well you can call 'im 'e and 'im and you can call 'im Mr. Tanner and Moroni but I've got well enough acquainted with 'im to call 'im me hold man, just like me own mother used to call 'er husband.

Clara I shouldn't think you'd want me to work on this quilt -I'm spoiling it.

Bath.

(Trying to thread needle) Your work's as good as Augusta's now.

Aug. Thanks.

Bath.

It will be a whole lot better before I get through with you. You've got to learn. All the women in the Tanner family are good quitters, and they go to quiltings to quilt, not to primp.

Clara (Sits) Aug. (Blandly) Ezra says he doesn't like to see the needle pricks in my fingers.

Bath.

(Exclaims scoffingly) Oh! Zina Let me thread that needle for you, Bathsheba.

Bath., No -- I can thread it.

20 Aug. Why don't you wear glasses, Bathsheba?

Bath.

Well, I can see through you without them.

Aug. Talk about vanity.

Brig.

(Has risen from couch and crossed up to window R. during this conversation and now turns and speaks to the quilting party.)

Say, loving sisters, I don't want to interrupt this catty conversation, but here's my Governor coming down the street and the husband of all you good Tanner women is with him.

Zina (Delightedly) Father? Is Father coming?

Bath.

And we forgot to sing our opening hymn. you play "Zion is free".

Emeline, suppose

Aug. Yes, do, Emeline.

Emeline (Rises and crosses L. back of quilt frame to piano and starts playing the hymn. The women all join in singing the hymn and TANNER and KEMBLE enter. They do not speak but stand listening to the song.)

Zina (After the hymn is finished.)

Good morning, Father. Good morning, Apostle Tanner -I'm glad you came in.

Esther Ah, Nephi, you're well, I hope.

Kemble (Crosses down to Esther and kisses her) Quite well.

(Turning to Emeline) How do you do, Sister Emeline? How's Brother Strong, this morning.

Emeline (Half-heartedly) I don't know. He stays at Augusta's house mostly. will have to ask her.

Augusta Oh, Ezra's quite well and happy.

You

21 Tanner I can understand how he would be.

Charlotte 'it does beat hall 'ow hanxious you Hapostles hare habout hother men's families. You never hask hafter your hown.

Tanner Why, Charlotte, I saw you this morning.

(Crosses L. back of quilt) Zina Father, can't you both have lunch with the sisters?

Kemble I'm sorry I can't, Zina. We have a priesthood meeting today and I must hurry to the Temple.

Tanner I've only a moment to spare. I didn't have time this morning to call at my houses. I knew I'd find most of my folks here.

(Crossing down to Bathsheba) Bathsheba, how are the children?

Bath.

Oh, I guess they are as well as anybody's children.

Tanner (Up to Matilda) How's the baby, Matilda?

Matilda He's a little feverish, but - the doctor he says -Tanner (Unheeding) (Crosses up top Clara) I'm glad to see you attending to your Church duties, Clara.

Are you quite well?

Clara (In an awed tone.)

Oh, yes -Tanner I shall have to be at Bathsheba's next week but I expect to visit the Church conference in Canada after that and I want you to go with me.

Charlotte You'll have a right down good time, Clara. Hi used to go to Canada with Moroni, hand the Henglish saints hup there just wait hon you 'and hand foot when you're han Hapostle's wife.

Brig.

Yes, it's a nice, comfortable religion for an Apostle.

22 Tanner (To Kemble) Brother Nephi, I don't care to have Brigham hanging around here when my folks are here.

Brig.

Brother Moroni, if you have anything to say about me, don't say it to the Governor -- say it to me.

Kemble (Rises and checks him) Brigham!

Tanner I welcome the opportunity to say it to you. I think the only weakness your father has ever shown as a leader of this Church has been your attitude to you.

Kemble Brother Moroni, this is no place to discuss the government of my household. We shall expect you at the Temple.

(Crosses up and EXITS R.C.) Brig.

Apostle Tanner, you've always been after me, but I notice you haven't the nerve to talk to me much, except when you can do it over my father's shoulder this way.

Esther Please, Briggy -Tanner I have just as much authority as your father has, young man, and I talk to you as the Spirit moves me.

Brig.

I could use a little freedom of the Spirit too, if you people'd keep out of this for just a minute – I'm full of the freedom of Spirit -Tanner Yes, you're drunk and it's a shameful spectacle in a house of God. (ANNIS, ZINA and ESTHER show great anxiety. women listen in great excitement.)

The other

Brig.

Say, Moroni Tanner, you save me for a public example of what happens to a man when he disobeys the will of the Prophet.

Tanner How it must grieve the Lord to see one of his chosen children who his broken all His covenants.

23 Brig.

You talk to me about breaking covenants. I remember the time when you were down on your knees to the U.S. Government with a covenant to quit polygamy.

(Ladies all show great excitement and consternation) Tanner Nonsense! That promise was extorted from us. wasn't binding.

It

Brig It seems to have been binding on the government.

Matilda Briggy, you know the brethern gave that promise just to fool the Gentiles.

Tanner Ah, it takes a woman to answer you.

Brig.

Yes, and it takes a Tanner to get behind a woman. A man can't raise his voice against you without hurting a woman.

He can't lift a hand against this system without seeming to strike at his own mother.

Esther (Anxiously) Briggy, -- you wouldn't say anything against this principle of celestial marriage in which you were born!

Brig.

Mother, it was your faith and father's that God commanded your relations, but this man has gone into polygamy since God revoked that command. I'm attacking him and his kind filling the land with wives who can't claim their husbands and children who can't bear their father's name before the world. Your relations were sincere -- you acknowledged them; but this man is a hypocrite in practicing polygamy, and a liar in denying it.

Tanner I obey the commands of God and I am answerable only to God. Brig.

Say, Moroni, it's mighty lucky you can cover this thing with the name of God. Tanner (Crossing R. front of quilt frame to Brig.)

See here, we're not covering anything -Brig.

Well, then, which is it? Does God command polygamy now or does God forbid it? You can't play it both ways, on a man, even if you can fool the woman with it.

24 Tanner The Word of God is plain to a good woman even if it isn't to a drunken man.

Brig.

You make the outside world believe that God abandoned polygamy through a Revelation to his Prophet, then you make the woman convert believe that God has restored polygamy for her particular case through the same Prophet. And that's the way you get your wives from Boston.

(Indicating CLARA) Clara (Exclaims "Oh") Brig.

(Wheels toward Clara) Before you came into this Church, didn't they tell you that polygamy was abandoned?

Tanner (To Clara, sternly) You sit down, Clara. You're not concerned with this man.

This apostate attacks me because he wanted to marry into my family and I refused him -- he asked me for Annis.

Annis (Rises, affrightedly) Brig.

Oh, you coward to drag that thing out of its grave now.

(The women all direct their attention to Annis. She drops her needle and turning, sits in chair vacated by Zina and drops her head on the back of her chair.)

Tanner And that was before you ever drank a drop, too, but the Lord gave me a discernment of spirits -- I foresaw what you would become. I have predicted every step in your downward career.

(To Annis) You see now, Annis, that I was wiser than you and your dead mother.

Brig.

(Lurches toward Tanner) You're sacred to these people, or I'd -Zina (Grasps his arm and restrains him) Brig, Brig!

25 Brig.

(Crossing to Annis and placing his arm around her) Lock at her. You forced her to become the sixth wife of an apostle old enough to be her father, and ever since you've been trying to hound me to the devil so that you could always tell her what an awful pit she escaped.

Tanner I'd rather see my daughter dead and in her coffin than married to you or to anyone else outside of the household of faith.

Brig.

I'll bet there's a mother in Boston who would rather have seen her daughter dead and in her coffin than married into your household -- you old Turk.

Tanner I tell you the devil has taken possession of you body and soul. You've been protected too long because of your parents. We'll find a way to take care of you.

(EXITS R.C.) Brig (Takes a few steps up. Zina crosses to Esther) Esther (In great trouble) Zina, Zina, what shall we do?

Zina Oh, Brig, how could you go on like that. You only make Father and Mother unhappy and more trouble for yourself.

Esther And think of Annis.

Zina (Crosses L. to Clara) Brig.

I know -- I'm wrong.

(ANNIS RISES AND CROSSES TO PIANO UP L.) I keep forgetting that this is a community where a man mustn't tell the truth.

(ZINA SITS FRONT OF TABLE) Bath.

If he must talk, let him talk here where it's perfectly safe -- as long as he's not out in the world talking.

Brig.

You're the only honest hypocrite in the whole Tanner bunch.

Aug. For my part, I like to hear Briggy talk. When he swears at the Apostles, he does get things out of my system.

26 Clara This has all upset me – I can't sew any more -- I think I'll have to go home.

Bath.

You keep right on with your work. When your faith's attacked, that's the time to stand firm. Everyone here knows that polygamy is the only road to salvation. Brig knows it down in his heart and he's a polygamist himself, only he won't admit it.

Brig.

Since when?

Bath.

Every man's naturally a polygamist, only the Gentiles practice it in sin.

Brig (Sitting on the couch) Every man's naturally a brute, but the world has got past the point where it sanctifies his brutality. The Gentiles put a man in jail for the same thing you put him in Heaven for.

Bath.

If they put them all in jail, they'd have to put a penitentiary wall round their towns. Brig, I've been out in the world as much as you have, and I know that most men who can afford it, and some that can't, keep separate establishments. They deceive their wives and cast off their children.

Brig.

That's the pious lie these priests have been telling for years to make you Mormon women think you've got the only good men on earth.

Bath.

It's no lie, Brig, and it doesn't come from our priests.

It comes from the Lord himself. He saw that the race was being ruined by the practices of the world and He revealed polygamy to save women from degradation.

Brig.

There you go again, Bathsheba. For the life of me I can't see how it saves a woman from degradation to say that God ordered the degradation. This is the only Church in the civilized world that has this rotten thing for its cornerstone.

Esther Briggy, out of consideration for me, no matter what you may think, you must not speak so against things that I hold sacred, that I believe in, and that I have lived all my life.

27 Bath.

Well, there's no use in your talking against polygamy here.

We've all been in it and we know it's the Divine order.

Matilda Well, Zina isn't in it, is she?

Brig.

You leave my sister out of this.

(Annis rises and takes a few steps down) Bath.

Zina will be in it just as soon as the Prophet tells Daniel the time has come to live up to his privileges.

Zina (Rises – Involuntarily) No -Bath.

(In great surprise) What?

Zina (Blundering on) No -- not Dan -Bath.

(Coldly) Well, why not Dan? Zina He doesn't want -- I -- I couldn't stand it -- I -Charlotte (Incredulously) But you and your children want to be saved.

Esther (Falteringly) I think the sacrifices I have made are enough to save my children and theirs.

Bath.

(Sticking her needle in the quilt) Wells I'm not going to sit here and encourage this spirit of apostacy. Zina, I want to know plain out -aren't you willing to have Daniel take another wife when the Prophet tells him?

(Zina does not reply) Isn't Daniel willing?

Brig.

Bathsheba, you take care of your own family - never mind ours.

28 Bath Brig, when it comes to this, we're all one family. As children of promise, Daniel and Zina are bound to embrace celestial marriage. I never thought I'd have to argue that question here. They've both been out in the world, and they know what a sink of corruption it is. They know that God instituted this holy order so that He might preserve a righteous seed to build His Kingdom on earth. I've no patience with any young couple that value their own selfish happiness more than the salvation of the whole human race.

Esther But Bathsheba, you take things too seriously. make allowances. Think how young they are.

You must

Bath.

It's a pity to have a family like this backslide just at the moment when the whole, thoughtful world is coming to an acceptance of polygamy.

(Bath. rises and goes for her clothes) (ANNIS RISES. MATILDA and CHARLOTTE rise and start for their clothes also.)

Esther (Greatly troubled) Why, Bathsheba you're not going now?

Zina (With an effort) Stay to luncheon -- it's nearly ready. See about it, mother.

Esther Yes, Yes. (She rises and starts for door R.C. and speaks to Brig. as she passes him.)

Oh, my boy, my boy.

(EXITS R.C.) Bath.

I feel as if the Spirit of the devil has entered this house instead of the Spirit of God. Moroni wouldn't want any of us to stay here another minute. Come, Clara.

(CLARA rises reluctantly, looking deeply agitated.)

Augusta, if you can powder your nose and get on your things in the next half hour, I'll take you along. Brother Strong wouldn't want me to leave you hear to listen to such talk.

Augusta (Rising and putting on her hat) Don't you worry about me, Bathsheba. We're perfectly satisfied with polygamy, aren't we, Emeline?

Emeline (Quietly following suit) You ought to be.

29 Bath.

(To Annis.)

Annis, it isn't respectful to your father for you to stay here where he's been insulted, and it isn't respectful to the memory of your dead husband.

Annis I don't see why you're making all this trouble.

Bath.

(Greatly surprised) Well, Annis, you can't be very strong in your faith, either, or you wouldn't stand there silent. Come, Clara.

CLARA EXITS AND DROPS HER GLOVE A$ SHE CROSSES.) Aug. Goodbye, Zina, dear.

(She exits) Zina Good-bye -Charlotte Good-bye, Sister Whitman.

Matilda Good-bye, Sister Whitman.

Bath.

(Pointedly) Good-bye, Mrs. Whitman.

(Bathsheba, Augusta, Matilda, Emeline and Charlotte exit) Clara (ENTERS as Bathsheba exits) I've dropped a glove somewhere.

(To Annis) Oh, Annis -- Annis! I'm so unhappy. I don't understand.

The Prophet told me to marry your father -- that God had ordered it. I never heard anyone talk like Briggy -- what does it mean?

Annis (Bitterly) Oh, don't ask me.

Bath.

(Calling from without) Clara, I'm waiting for you.

Clara Yes -- yes -- I'm coming.

(EXITS) Zina Oh, Brig, what have I done?

30 Brig.

I'm afraid you're in for it, sis.

Zina (Distractedly) What do you mean -- what do you mean?

Brig.

(Rising and crossing to Zina) Bathsheba is making it hotfoot to the Temple right now to blab the whole thing with all her damned sanctimonious embroideries too.

Zina Oh, she wouldn't do that.

Won't she?

Brig.

She thinks it's her duty to God.

Annis How could you, Zina? Didn't you know that the only safety for you and Dan was silence? Now you've declared yourself and I'm afraid.

(Crosses down to rocking chair L. and site) Brig.

(To Zina) I told you, you were up against this thing.

Zina Polygamy?

Brig.

If the Prophet gets a revelation from God that Dan's got to take another wife, what are you going to do?

Zina Dan'll never -Brig.

You're going to refuse to obey it, are you? Well, if you do, they'll push you off the battlements of Heaven the way they did me.

(DAN ENTERS R.C. AND ZINA RUNS UP TO HIM) Zina Oh, Dan, Dan. Dan (In surprise) Why, -- what -- what's the matter?

Brig.

We've had an explosion here, Dan. (Creases L. front of quilt) Bathsheba Tanner got on her high horse about polygamy and dragged you and Zina in.

31 Dan Drag us in?

Brig.

Yes, and Sis touched off a bomb. She gave them to understand that polygamy wasn't in favor in this house.

Dan (Crossing to desk R.) Oh, that's nothing to get excited about.

Brig.

I bet it will be making some excitement pretty soon.

Zina (Painfully) (To Dan) She said you ought to take another wife.

Dan (Caressing Zina) Oh, sweetheart, we passed that danger long ago.

Brig.

You haven't passed it - you've just reached it.

(Zina crosses couch and sits.)

Dan Nonsense.

(Takes a few steps L.) I've just come from the Prophet. He as good as he'd selected me for Congress. They can't send polygamist to Washington. The Church must keep free for political use.

(To Zina) That's the reason I've never worried -- I never thought about it seriously.

told me another a few men

even

Brig.

Wall, right here is where you begin to be serious, boy.

Dan Now you're not going to alarm me, Brig. I've been a hundred times in conference with the Prophet. He has particularly selected me to represent his interests out in the world. He has never even suggested that he wanted me in polygamy. Surely he wouldn't destroy me now.

32 Brig Dan, you're a fine fellow, but the Prophet doesn't care a continental about you personally. He's made bigger people than you walk the plank. Zina's challenged his divine authority and you have to answer for it.

Dan That's all right – I'll take care of Zina.

Brig.

Dan, you're either a Mormon or you're not. You either believe this man speaks with the voice of God, or you don't. If this man tells you you've got to go into polygamy, you'll either do it, or you'll be an apostate.

Dan They're not going to force this thing to any such issue.

Brig You've only known this power in its gentleness. All my life I've been up against it in its cruelty. They separated me from the woman I loved just for one word of mine -- because I said No, when the Prophet wanted me to preach his twaddle as a missionary. If you stand up against the one devilish doctrine that this fanatic insists upon, in one hour he can turn every hand in this community against you.

Dan Now Brig, our cases are very different -- you know that.

Brig Well, I know they've made you think all this happened to me because I drank, but I drank because it happened to me.

You may come to the place where you'll drink whiskey yourself, -- or prussic acid.

(ANNIS HAS SEATED HERSELF IN LARGE CHAIR OR ROCKING CHAIR DOWN L. BY THIS TINE.) Dan (Crossing to Zina) Oh, come, come.

Brig.

(Taking a few steps to Annis, and taking her hands in his) (To Dan) Look at me. I'm what they'll do to you. My life was just as promising as yours, wasn't it, Annis?

Annis Yes, Brig.

Brig.

I had everything -- everything, and now the one thing I've got to console myself with, is this woman's pity.

Annis You know it's more than pity, Brig.

33 Brig (Starts up around quilt to Exit through door R.C. As he gets up to upper L. corner of quilt frame, Annis stops him.)

Annis Wait, Brig, I'm going with you.

Brig.

(Stopping and facing Annis) No, Annis, you'd better keep clear of me, or you'll be in trouble.

Annis (Going up to Brig.)

I'm going with you, Brig.

(Brig. and Annis both EXIT R.C.) Zina (Clinging to Dan) Dan, Dan, promise me you won't -Dan (Holding her close) Polygamy? They could kill me first.

Zina Oh, I'm so frightened!

Dan There, dear, now don't you worry. happen to us.

C U R T A I N.

Nothing's going to

ACT II.

A room at the Temple. Interior. Large, highceilinged room, the woodwork is mahogany, walls are panelled with dark wall covering above panels. In the middle of the room a large, white, round, marble altar, large enough for twelve men to kneel around, with kneeling cushions of light yellow velvet on a platform about a foot high around the base, and a moulded cushion of the same material as an armrest around the edge of altar top. At R. and extending almost the entire length of the R. wall, and setting snugly against the mall is a large white dais with two steps running along the front of it. There is a large white high-backed chair, not Gothic, and to the R. of this chair, an altarlike stand of white marble on which are some papers in documentary form. A light yellow velvet footstool before this chair. On either side of this chair (above and below it) a similar style chair, but smaller in size. In the wall R. at the top and C. is a deep-set circular window which admits light through small, leaded bluish panes. On either side of this window and extending to about five feet from the floor is a large opening covered with light, yellow velvet.

A semi-circle of dark leather chairs, wings out on both sides of the entrance L. for the Apostles (seven in number). At back R. of center is a small desk at which his Secretary sits. On this desk are some books and loose documents. Also an electric desk lamp (practical), and a small brass push button and a telephone, neither of which are practical. Back of this desk and each side of it at back, is a chair similar in style and design to the seven chairs for the Apostles.

A door R.C. and L.C. backed by interior backings, which lead to the interior of the Temple. At L. large double doors which lead to a waiting room and are backed by an interior backing.

On the dais there is a large Persian rug which covers almost the entire platform.

The Prophet wears a sack suit of white material. He wears white kid shoes, white socks, and a white tie to match.

2 DISCOVER AT RISE, Prophet absorbed looking over papers, is seated in his place on the platform. There are two councilors (one on each side of him) on the platform with him. The Secretary is seated back of his desk up R.C. and the seven Apostles are seated in their places.

All the doors are closed. Light streams in through the large circular window R. Prophet I have also our financial report from Brother McHugh, but they do not say explicitly -- they do not give to date, how much money we have free to use in New York.

(To Brother McHugh, who is seated on the lower end of the circle of chairs L.) Brother McHugh,(McHugh says "Yes, sir," and rises) (Prophet continues) we would like to learn how much money we have on deposit in the banks of New York. Have you the information?

McHugh Yes, sir.

(Taking a small notebook from his pocket and consulting it) In our three banks in New York we have $17,182,000.

Prophet Is it all available?

McHugh Yes. Prophet Have all these banks been equally friendly?

McHugh The President of the Murray Hill National refused to go to Washington to see the President as you requested.

Prophet How much of our money is with him?

McHugh He has the major part pf it -- $11,000,000 in round figures.

Prophet (Sternly) Draw a check on him for the full amount on deposit.

Transfer five millions of it here at once. Deposit the balance between the two other New York banks equally McHugh Yes, sir.

3 Prophet I intend to transfer the General Offices of the Beet Sugar Trust to Salt Lake. I'm not satisfied with the way the officials of the Company have handled this case with the Government. Advise the Wow York bankers that I want this money ready to protect our sugar stocks here and in Wall St. during the transfer.

Kemble I can remember the time when one million dollars was more than all Zion ever hoped to have.

Tanner It must be pleasing to the Lord to see his Prophet bearing righteous rule and dominion over the finances of the world.

Prophet (Laying aside the report) It is also pleasing to the Lord's servants, Brother Moroni.

(To Apostle Strong) Brother Ezra, have you had any further report from the Legislature in Wyoming?

Strong (Rising) I have the speaker of the House here to ask us whether he can break the deadlock by electing former Governor James Osgood.

Prophet No. (Pause) We will either have Warner or they elect no one.

(The Apostles look startled) We promised our financial and political friends in the East that we would protect Warner in this place. And Idaho?

Strong In Idaho Durand's friends are still working to re-elect him to the Senate, and yet they do not wish to antagonize any purpose of yours.

Prophet (Very sternly) Brother Ezra, I have settled that matter sometime ago.

Durand is the bitterest antagonist in public life against the priesthood of God. He must be defeated and destroyed as an example. Tell the Chairman of the Democratic Committee that his party can never hope to hold any political power in Idaho as long as they sustain Durand as a leader. The reports from Arizona and Oregon are quite satisfactory.

(He looks at the Secretary and nods) Secretary (Has taken the receiver from the telephone and has listened to a conversation over the phone and now speaks) Elder Rush is here from England and Sister Bathsheba Tanner

4 is waiting.

Prophet Ask Brother Rush to come in.

Secretary (At phone) Bring Brother Rush to the council.

(Hangs up receiver) Prophet Do our European converts have any more difficulty entering the port of Boston?

Tanner Not since we removed the interfering immigration official.

(The guard enters L. and ushers in Brother Rush. The guard goes out directly, and Brother Rush crosses to the Prophet.)

Prophet (Shaking hands with Brother Rush) Ah, Brother Rash, I'm glad to see you safely returned. see by your report that the attitude of some of the governments toward our European missions is still unsatisfactory.

I

Rush Yes. All three of the Scandinavian countries are actively antagonistic. We cannot hope for any immediate change.

They continue to exclude our missionaries because of the teaching of polygamy.

Prophet Do the anti-Mormon demonstrations continue in England?

Rush Yes, they stone our chapels and mission houses occasionally. As you instructed, I have made a full list of the outrages.

Prophet Get ready to start for Washington. We shall instruct our Senators to take this matter up at once with the Secretary of State. I will give you directions later.

(Bush EXITS L.) Brother Nephi, did you prevail upon Brigham to come to the Temple this morning?

Kemble He's waiting.

Prophet (To Secretary) We are ready for him.

Secretary (Phoning) Brigham Kemble to the Council Chamber.

5 Prophet Brethren, it grieves the Lord mightily to see dissension and apostacy creeping into the leading families of this Church, particularly such families as Brother Nephi's and Brother Moroni's. Both of them have been to me for counsel this morning, and I have determined to set their households in order according to the dictates of the Spirit to me. The most dangerous offender in the Church is Brother Nephi's son Brigham. I think he has not been handled right. No one but the Lord can rescue him now, and the Lord has revealed His plan to me.

(BRIGHAM ENTERS L. AFTER THE GUARD, WHO IMMEDIATELY RETIRES) Come closer, Brigham.

(Brigham crosses R. to Prophet, above altar) Brigham, you are a child of promise. You are very precious in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. In His tenderness He has relented to you and is willing to forgive you for your sins. He feels that you have been sufficiently punished.

What have you to say, Brother Brigham?

Brig.

Well, if you and the Lord have had enough, I have.

Prophet (Frowns and then gets command of himself) You interrupted the most promising career in this Church when you refused to obey counsel ten years ago. You lost your right to the blessings of the Lord's house. You lost your claim upon one of the daughters of Zion by your disobedience. The Lord is not unwilling to restore all the rights that you deserted ten years ago, if you are ready to do your part.

Brig.

(Looks at the Prophet) I've been so long out of communion with prophets that I can't interpret revelations. Just put this proposition in plain American.

Prophet Brigham, you disobeyed the Lord. You lost Annis Tanner, you brought ten years of misery to yourself and grief to your family and anxiety to this Church. We are ready to start you all over again.

Brig.

With Annis?

Prophet With Annis.

Tanner (Springing to his feet) I will not have this drunken apostate in my family.

Brig.

(Turns quickly and faces Tanner, scowling)

6 Prophet Brother Moroni, you're setting an example of apostacy to an apostate. What higher mission could a daughter of Zion have than to bring this child of promise back?

Brig.

(Turning back to Prophet) Back where?

Prophet (Slight pause) Back where you belong as an obedient elder of this Church.

Think of it, Brigham. We are offering you Annis and everything in life.

Brig.

(Facing front, torn with emotion.)

I am thinking of it.

Prophet And it's your last chance.

Brig.

(Facing Prophet) You are offering me the woman I love on terms that would make her ashamed of me.

Prophet Sister Annis has always an obedient daughter of the Church.

Brig.

I've lost everything in life to keep my self-respect, and now you want to take that away from me for the price I paid to keep it.

Prophet You will be gaining the respect of the whole community.

Brig You will ask me to stand in the Tabernacle as others have done and say that I repent of my rebellion against you and tell them that I know you are the Prophet of God? Prophet That is the only way any apostate can regain his fellowship in the Church.

Brig.

And I am to support you in your secret polygamy?

Prophet It is not ours -- it's God's!

Brig.

I must support you in your broken promises to this Government that you made to gain citizenship?

Prophet As the Prophet of God --

7 Brig.

(Interrupting) Well, I'm not a Prophet, but I warn you -- you're rousing the hostility of this whole nation and they'll bring you to your knees again as they did 25 years ago Prophet You have profaned this Temple long enough. Put this man outside and let him go to destruction.

(Secretary pushes button on his desk. After a slight pause, Guard enters at door L. and stands there until Brig exits. Then Guard follows him off.)

Brig.

Well, if I'm going to destruction, I'll go my own way.

(Crosses L. above altar to about four feet from entrance, then he turns and speaks.)

Across lots, and not around corners.

(He exits) Prophet (After a pause) I have done my duty as the Lord commanded me. It's all in the hands of the Lord now, brethren. He knows how to take care of our failures.

(Turning to Kemble) We are ready for your daughter Zina now.

(Turns to Secretary) Tell Sister Whitman to come.

(Prophet sits) (Secretary goes out L.C. There is an impressive silence. After a pause the Secretary returns, followed by Zina. He returns to his desk as Zina slowly crosses R. back of the altar to the Prophet.)

Prophet Sister Zina, we have been planning some important missions to the world for your husband. We expect him to represent us in the high places of the nation, among the statesmen and great financiers. We expect you to be as willing to support him in this mission as you have been in all your other Church duties. We were about to make our final decision when we heard a very disturbing thing concerning you.

(Zina makes a slight gesture, but Prophet immediately resumes his speech.)

The Lord does not permit anything to be concealed from His Prophet. If you are opposed to the principles of the gospel it would never do to send Daniel as an ambassador from this Kingdom. I am going to let your father talk to you. I have instructed him as to the questions and we shall expect you to answer freely.

8 Kemble Zina, you have been reared in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Tell the brethren if you accept all the principles of the Gospel.

Zina Yee, father -Kemble All of them?

Zina Why, -- yes -- father -Kemble You have no doubt of the principle of celestial marriage?

Zina (Falteringly) I know it was a divine revelation.

Kemble Binding upon all the household of faith?

Zina Yes -- father -- but of course when the Lord withdrew it -Kemble (Sternly) Daughter, don't you argue as the apostates do! I've taught in my family that the Lord suspended this temporarily for a purpose. It is still His command to His Church and every one whom the Prophet designates as being worthy of this privilege must obey. Has not that been my teaching in my family?

Zina Yes, father.

Kemble If the Prophet should have a Revelation that Daniel had been selected to keep this sacred principle not polygamy alive in the world, would you give your consent?

Zina (Gasping) Father — Kemble Daughter, God does not permit this principle to be dependent on any woman's consent, but if you give it, you share with Daniel in his exaltation. If you refuse it, He takes his family and goes on in the eternities without you.

Tanner (Rising, impatiently — to the Prophet) Why doesn't Brother Kemble tell her just what the Revelation says? If she consents, she's saved. If she refuses, she's damned.

9 Prophet (Checking him) Brother Moroni -(Turning to Kemble) Proceed.

Kemble Your mother was younger than you when she gave her consent.

For her obedience she shall stand with me when I come to my principalities and powers, and endless increase and dominion over worlds and universes of worlds.

Zina But father -- Daniel and I don't want all that -- we only want each other -Prophet (Interrupting) Do you speak for Daniel?

Zina No -- but I'm sure -Prophet (Interrupting) Do you speak for Daniel?

Zina No -Kemble You must speak for yourself, daughter. It has been appointed as my duty as your father, and an Apostle, to ask you to give your consent for Daniel to live up to his privileges.

Zina (Just audibly) For Daniel -- to take -- another wife?

Kemble Yes, daughter.

Zina (Wildly) I can't -- he wouldn't -Kemble Stop!

Prophet Brother Kemble! Zina, go back to the waiting room.

(Zina turns and crosses up L. and EXITS) Every woman now in Heaven has been saved against her own will.

(To Kemble) I think you will have a labor to take up in your family.

(To Tanner) Brother Moroni, is your daughter Annis here?

Tanner I told her to be here.

10 Prophet I had hoped that she might help us to save Brigham Kemble.

He is gone, but she is still with us and I shall counsel her as I may be led by the Spirit of the Lord. It is even possible, Brother Moroni, that He may approve your plan concerning your daughter. Bring her before the Council.

(TANNER goes out at back) The change of administration at Washington compels me to place a closer restriction on plural marriage. No case must occur except on my personal approval. Our political and financial friends are no longer in a position to protect us from the persecutions of the ungodly. Tell the brethren and sisters that they must be ready to protect the Church, regardless of consequences to themselves, in the event of any Secret Service investigation.

(TANNER and ANNIS ENTER at back) Good morning, Sister Annis.

(He rises and extends his hand to Annis. him back of altar and takes his hand.)

Annis crosses to

Annis Good morning.

Prophet Will you sit here by me a moment?

(SECRETARY rises and places chair for ANNIS) I want to talk to you.

(Annis remains standing a moment and Prophet continues) Why, Sister Annis, you are now in God's holy house with His priesthood and we are all your friends.

(Annis sits) Your father has been greatly troubled about you, and he brought his anxieties to me.

(Prophet sits) Annis Why, I didn't know -- father didn't tell me that he -(Prophet continues) Prophet I have made your case the subject of prayer.

(Annis looks at him wonderingly) It is Jehovah's will that you shall be sealed to some faithful elder.

(Annis half rises, then sinks back) Your dead husband, Apostle Grey, now in the Heavens, wants you to bear children to him in this mortality in order to magnify his eternal kingdom. He has urged this in the Council of the Gods, and it has been so decreed. We assume that you are ready to do your duty.

Annis Surely -- surely -- I've done enough.

11 Prophet All you have done is nothing, unless you complete your work. The Lord gave you to one of His holy prophets to be as a queen with him through all eternity, but that holy man was taken from this earth before you had borne any children to him in the covenant.

(Annis rises) It is his right to command you still. When you shall join him in the Heavens he expects you to come to him as the mother of many children who have been raised up to him through you by one of the holy priesthood still on earth.

Until this is done you have only half fulfilled your covenant. God is not pleased to see you waste the days of your youth in barrenness.

Annis (Turning to her father) Father, you've done this.

(Turning to the Prophet) It isn't God's will you're telling me, it's my father's. He's doing this because he hates Brigham Kemble. He's done it before. It wasn't for the glory of Apostle Grey that I was sacrificed, nor to save my own soul it was to put me out of Brigham Kemble's reach; to that old man; -- when I was only 18 -- horrible. No, -- not again. You can't. Oh, you wouldn't.

(As if she suddenly sees Kemble, she speaks to him) How can you let them do it? It ruined Brig's life. Are Apostle Grey's unborn children more to you than your own son?

Kemble (Deeply agitated) God's Prophet has spoken.

Annis (Turning to Prophet again) But why is this necessary for Apostle Grey's glory? already has many wives and a multitude of children.

He

Prophet It adds to his glory, but it is essential for your own salvation. There is no bodily resurrection in the first morning for any woman who has not borne a child.

Annis (Beseechingly) You have saved my soul once -- for Christ's sake, let me save my body in my own way.

(She falls on the platform at the Prophet's feet.)

Prophet When the Lord made known His will to me concerning you, Annis, I was bound by my covenant to see that you fulfilled it.

(Annis slowly rises) Among the holy priesthood have you any choice?

Annis No -- no -- no --

12 (Annis continuing her speech. She has turned and reached the door L.C. by this time.)

Oh, my God !

(She EXITS) (There is a slight pause, then the Secretary goes down and replaces the chair which he had previously placed for Annis.)

Prophet She takes it pretty hard, Brother Moroni. are quite right in this matter?

Are you sure you

Tanner (Rises) I wouldn't have her free another hour to be influenced by Brigham Kemble. She'd marry him if she dared.

Prophet Brother Kemble, I think our present plan will put an end to the bad influence of your son Brigham.

Secretary (Has raised receiver from the hook and apparently taken a message over the phone and now speaks to the Prophet.)

Sister Bathsheba Tanner is still waiting.

Prophet Oh, let her come in.

Secretary (At phone) Sister Bathsheba to the Council Chamber.

Prophet And bring in Brother Daniel Whitman.

(Secretary nods, rises and crosses L. back of Apostles. As he crosses the door L. opens and Sister Bathsheba is ushered in by the Guard. Bathsheba crosses to altar and Secretary EXITS L. The Guard follows and closes the doors after him.)

Prophet Bathsheba, what have you to bring before the Council?

Bath.

The President of the W.C.T.U. is getting impatient for our answer concerning state-wide Prohibition.

Prophet I wish those busy-bodies would mind their own business.

That would be a direct slap at our drugstore. If Zion's store did not supply whiskey the Gentiles would go elsewhere with their trade.

Bath.

Shall I tell the W.C.T.U. women that?

13 Prophet No, you tell them that we will hold a big temperance meeting in the Tabernacle. I'll order the Legislature to pass the bill and then I'll counsel the Governor to vetoe it.

Bath.

I don't think that will satisfy them. expect.

It is just what they

Prophet What they expect?

Bath.

They said if the Legislature passed the bill you would get the Governor to vetoe it.

Prophet (Disgustedly) With those women in politics, it takes all the wisdom the Lord has given me to preserve the peace and prosperity of this Kingdom. A woman's place is the home.

Bath.

I rather think they expect to hear that, too.

Prophet Bathsheba, I can't have the time of the Council taken up with such trifles. You have my authority to make these women any promise you please.

Bath.

If they are promises that have to be broken I think you had better send a man to take them.

(EXITS L.) Prophet The Lord created woman humble, but the devil has tempted her with the pride of independence. They have been the curse of every religion since the fall of man, Dan (ENTERS L. followed by Secretary) Prophet (Seeing Daniel and with a change of tone) Will you come forward to the altar, Daniel?

(Daniel crosses R. back of altar to Prophet) Do you remember your covenant of unquestioning obedience?

(Secretary has crossed R. back of Apostles and resumed his place at his desk.)

Dan Yes.

14 Prophet And we have not forgotten the rewards. I have advanced you even beyond any own sons. The Lord has seen your integrity to his priesthood. It has been revealed to me that, like David, you are a man after God's own heart, and now that you are to bear the mission of this Kingdom to Congress, the Lord is asking further pledges of your loyalty.

Daniel, we cannot trust all political authority and all our financial plane to any man who has not put himself beyond the temptations of the outside world.

You have never obeyed the celestial order in its fulness, Daniel.

Dan (Controlling himself with an effort) If it is deemed inadvisable to advance me because of my present statue, I shall be glad to give up all these honors.

Prophet (With a change of tone) You cannot relinquish them except by your own transgression.

Dan Frankly, I would rather retire to a more private station in life to make my own opportunities in the world.

Prophet (Coldly) And that issue you make with us?

Dan Don't misunderstand me -- I'm quite respectful in this. would rather have only Zina and our children than go to Congress or have any other worldly advancement.

Prophet That is a perilous ground for you to stand on.

I

Dan Why you told me yourself that no man was required to go into polygamy until he himself had received a revelation from God. Prophet And I now give to you, for yourself, that revelation from God. Do you believe in the divinity of plural marriage?

Dan I always have believed in it.

Prophet Do you believe in it now?

Dan I believe in it as a principle of our faith.

15 Prophet (Sternly) Your faith without your practice is dead. Do you believe in the right of the Prophet of God to command in all things?

Dan Yes. Prophet Will you obey my command and take another wife?

Dan I can't.

(Silence for a moment. and says: Can't?)

The Prophet rises in great surprise

Dan Won't you spare Zina from this thing? It would break her heart. I'll work for the Church without money all my days -- you may put me in any humble place.

Prophet God permits no compromise.

(Turns to Secretary) Call Sister Zina.

(Secretary nods, rises and crosses L. back of Apostles and exits L.C.) There is only one way you can preserve yourself and your family. When you obey, the Lord will pour out His blessings richly. If you were to disobey, God would strip you of everything in this world and the next.

(Secretary ENTERS L.C. followed by ZINA. He closes the door and crosses above the Apostles to his desk. Zina comes down front of altar.)

Sister Zina, I have told Daniel the will of the Lord concerning your family. You will obey it.

(Zina gives a slight exclamation of dismay) Brethren, (Rises) (The Apostles all rise with him) The Council is ended for the day.

(Secretary puts out the light on his desk, gathers up his papers and crosses to door R.C. He opens this and stands there as the Prophet followed by the Apostles, EXITS, then he follows them. KEMBLE, DAN and ZINA remain.)

Zina Father -- help us.

16 Kemble Children, nobody can disobey the command of God through His Prophet and escape destruction. I passed through this trial once, and the Lord has sustained me for my obedience.

As soon as I yielded my will to His, He never left me to one unhappy hour.

Zina I could never be happy again.

Kemble You can never be happy if you disobey. Our Church cannot harbor apostacy. Every hope of Dan's life would be taken from him. He would have to give up all his political prospects, and all his financial plans. No friend would support him in his disloyalty. You would live here like lepers and no man would dare to take your hand in friendship. He would walk alone, -- an outcast in this community.

Dan Then I'll walk alone with Zina.

Kemble Then Zina it rests with you to save your husband from destroying himself for your sake.

(KEMBLE EXITS R.C.) Zina (Going to Dan) Oh, Dan, I'm selfish, but I can't -- I can't do it.

Dan It's all right, Zina. I'm not afraid. Let them strip us.

I'm willing to go out in the world and start all over again somewhere else.

Zina If we refuse, it doesn't mean that we're apostates; -- that we're not Mormons -- people won't believe that of us?

Dan Yes, they will. I've got to face it. We're outcasts.

(He holds her close in silence for an instant.)

Zina (Drawing away from him and looking at him) Dan, if we do this, -- if we go -- will you ever blame me?

Dan No, you're more to me than all the rest.

Zina More than our home -- our religion -- our people -- all you'd ever hope to do and be?

Dan Yes -- yes.

17 Zina It will all go -- they'll never forgive us, will they?

Dan No, never -- we'll have to make up our minds to that.

Zina (Searching his face) And you'll never regret it?

Dan Not as long as I have you.

Zina Oh, you're giving up everything and all they ask of me is that I give you up. Father wasn't right, was he? It doesn't all rest with me? If I did consent, you wouldn't, would you?

No.

Dan Come, let's get out of this place -- it suffocates me.

Zina Dan, are you refusing because you love me?

Dan (Taking her in his arms) Come, Zina, come.

Zina Dan are you doing this just for me?

God commanded it?

Do you believe that

Dan I don't care -- I'd go through Hell for you.

Zina (Breaking away from him) And that's what I'm letting you do -- go through Hell for me. I can't -- I can't.

(Turning from him) Dan (With a move to her) Zina.

Zina (Putting out her hand as if to ward him off) Don't -- don't, I give up.

Dan You couldn't -- you couldn't go through with it.

18 Zina Yes -- I've got to.

(She turns to the altar as if to pray, sinking on her knees) Oh, help me, -- help me.

Dan (Crossing to her and raising her up) We don't pray for help at this altar. come.

Zina We're wrong, Dan. They must be right.

(She turns away from him to the altar.)

It's God's will.

(Sinking on her knees at the altar) I give up — I give up.

Come, dearest --

C U R T A I N.

END

OF

ACT

II.

ACT III. Same as Act I.

Same evening.

DISCOVERED - AT RISE. ZINA and the two children. Rhoda is seated back of the table writing. Rennie is huddled up on the couch, absorbed in a book. Zina stands at the lower window R. looking out.

Rhoda Mother, I've finished it.

(Zina does not answer) I've finished my composition, Mother.

(Slight pause) Mother, listen.

(Zina crosses slowly to Rhoda) "Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, was the greatest man which ever lived. He had twenty-seven wives given unto him, and only eight children, and he was killed very young by very wicked men.

(Rennie puts his fingers in his ears) All the world was in sin and darkness when the angels came to Joseph Smith with this message from the Lord and brought men back to the truth. And the Lord himself comes down to talk to the Prophet and tell him what he wants his children to do, to build his great Kingdom, especially the Divine order of celestial marriage. And that is why we are so much wiser and happier than all the rest of the world."

(Zina turns and sinks in chair R. of table with a groan.

Rhoda looks at her startled and speaks) What's the matter, mother?

(Zina does not answer) Mother -(Rennie sits up suddenly attentive and then runs to Zina) Rennie Can I get you something, mother?

Zina (Moaning) With her arms around each of the children) No -- no -- no -(Drawing children both to her convulsively) Oh, love me -- love me. You're all I have left.

Rennie Mother, what is it?

Zina Oh, I can't bear it -- I can't bear it. I thought I could, but I can't.

2 Rennie What is it, mother? Is it a pain?

Zina Yes -- yes -- it's a pain.

Come on, mother.

Rhoda Get something for it.

Zina There isn't anything for it anywhere, -- anywhere.

Brig.

(ENTERS haggard and excited) Zina, it's not true!

(Zina turns and looks at him) Good God -- it is.

(Rennie rises and goes to his sister) Zina (Rising) Come, children, you must go to bed.

(She leads the children to Exit L. and pauses at the doorway and kisses the children goodnight. The children EXIT. Zina closes the door and remains where she is) Brig (Crosses slowly to Zina) Have you stood for this?

Zina (Dully) Yes. Brig.

You've consented?

Zina (Comes slowly to chair L. of table and sinks in it) Yes -Brig.

(Crossing to R. of table) Why didn't you come to me? Why didn't you let me help you. Didn't I tell you that I'd tear the church loose before I'd let them put you into polygamy?

Zina You couldn't save me -- without ruining Dan. Brig.

(Angrily) Dan -- Dan ! Is Dan of any more importance than you are?

Do you know the Hell you've let yourself in for?

Zina (In despairing acceptance) Yes. Oh, -- I thought I could bear it -- but I can't.

3 Brig.

What madness of self-sacrifice seizes all you women when you're confronted with this thing?

Zina We can't help ourselves. We can't sacrifice our husbands.

Brig.

(Crossing down R.) The devil that instituted polygamy knew you women mighty well.

Zina (Bitterly) Yes -- he did -Brig.

And it's the same thing over -- generation after generation. Here's mother thought she had to do it for her husband -- and she paved the way for this, -- for you.

And now you think you've got to sacrifice yourself to save Dan -- and your upholding the Church that will sacrifice little Rhoda when her turn comes.

Zina (On the rack) Oh, don't talk about it -- don't talk about it.

Brig.

(Walking up and down distractedly.

Who's the other victim?

(No answer) Who's the other woman?

(He faces Zina)

Bitterly)

Zina (Looking at Brig, searchingly) Don't you know?

(Pause) It's Annis.

Brig.

(In horror. Crossing to R.) Annis? No -- they can't.

It's done.

Zina They're at the Temple now being married.

Brig.

(Suddenly, Brig bends down and makes noises as if nauseated) Zina -- give me a drink. My God, it makes me sick. dirty horror of it.

Zina (In a dead voice) It was God -- they said God commanded it.

The

4 Brig (Rising violently.)

It was Tanner -- I tell you it was Tanner commanded it.

He knew -- I'd get her some day -- if he didn't.

(Zina rises) The sanctified beast.

Zina (Hopelessly) (Going up L.) Oh, what's the use of talking about it.

Brig.

(Turns to Zina) What can I do?

Zina (Crossing slowly R. above table to windows) Nothing.

Brig.

(Furiously) No. I stood for this once.

It was only me, then. Annis didn't understand. She thought it was God, too. Now she knows. If they make her go through with this now, I'll kill them.

Zina (Wildly. Taking a few steps down R.) Kill ! Kill ! Can you kill a whole Church? It isn't a man – it's a religion.

It's easier to kill yourself.

(Sinks in chair at desk R.) Brig.

Is it? You try it and see. That's what I thought. And instead of going to work and making something of myself, I let everything go to Hell, and now, here I am, neither dead nor alive, and I can't help her, and she needs me, and I'm no good for anything except to go up there crazy drunk, and tear the throat out of somebody.

Zina Oh -- leave it alone, Brig, -- leave me alone.

Brig Zina, can't you help me to do something?

Zina I can't help myself -- you're only making it harder.

Brig (Crossing around and below table) I've got to do something. I can't stand it. Where are they? Are they going to Tanner's house? Are they coming here?

Zina.

(Rises. Wringing her hands) She's his wife.

5 Zina (Continuing her speech) I can't go through with it -- I can't. Oh, if I could only get away -- if I could only get away.

(Looking about wildly) (Starts to go as AND SEES THEM AS (To Kemble) You've helped to got to undo your

Brig.

KEMBLE and ESTHER ENTER R.C. BRIG. SPEAKS.) do this. part.

I'll start with you.

ZINA TURNS

You've

Kemble My son, you've put yourself out of all right to interfere in the affairs of this Kingdom or of my family.

(Crosses L. below table) Brig Well, I'm going to interfere whether I've got any right or not.

Esther Briggy!

Brig (To Esther) He made you walk the white hot plowshares. if he makes Zina.

I'll be damned

Kemble (With dignity) You've been the affliction of my life, but for your mother's sake, I have not cast you out.

Brig.

For my mother's sake. It was the sight of her, suffering that made me your affliction.

Kemble (Turning to Brig, fiercely) Don't talk like that. For years I have let you babble against the Kingdom of God with the tongue of your apostacy.

Brig You'll listen to me now or I'll speak where the whole country'll hear me. You shan't do this to Zina.

Kemble God protects His prophets. The world will not listen to the outcast and the sinner. You have chosen your own destruction. You are no longer a son of mine.

6 Brig.

(Crossing up to door R. Turning, fiercely) No, but I'm still Zina's brother and I'll stop this thing if I hang for it.

(EXITS R.C. SLAMMING DOOR AFTER HIM.) Kemble (To Esther) You cannot harbor that man here any longer without sharing in his sin. I forbid it.

(Walking up and down stage L.) This is our punishment for not breaking his spirit of rebellion when he was a child.

(He pauses and sees Zina and speaks to her) Zina, why are you not in your place at Annis' side in the Temple?

(No answer) Receiving the blessing of the Prophet for your obedience to the holiest law of Heaven?

(No answer. He turns to Esther) Speak to her. It is your duty to teach your daughter.

Esther Yes -- yes -- but Briggy? You're not going to -Kemble Esther, the Lord has blessed me with many other children and they are all obedient to His laws. Only your children are in rebellion.

Esther Yes -- yes -- I know.

Kemble If you want me to forgive them you must make them repentant before God. (EXITS R.C.) Esther (Comes down to back of Zina on couch) Zina, dear, I know just how you feel.

(Caressing her) When your father married Eliza, I felt I couldn't go to the Temple either to give her to him. I wanted to stay at home and hide my face. I thought I could never love your father any more, but I did. I thought he wouldn't care any more about me, but he did. You know we've been happy together -- pretty happy.

Zina (Wailing) Oh, we were so happy.--

Dan -- Dan --

7 Esther Happiness isn't for this world -- particularly for us women. I had been with your father ever since I was a girl and I couldn't bear the thought of losing him in the hereafter. That's what will happen, Zina, if we refuse to join in the celestial order of marriage. Now I know I shall be with him in eternity. It's the only way we women can attain it.

Zina Oh why didn't they let us alone?

Esther The Lord gives many opportunities to men to serve Him. This is the one thing He asks of us.

Zina Oh, God -- the one thing.

Esther Zina, if you've ever heard me say anything against polygamy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. It was only my selfishness. You can't be happy till you submit.

Zina Oh, mother, mother.

Esther You must submit.

It is God's will. fighting -- you must bow down to it.

There's no use

Zina (Rises and crosses to L. of table) God's will. God's will. I won't -- I can't.

Esther (Following Zina back of table) If God had taken him away altogether -- if he had died -Zina It wouldn't have been so cruel. I could have loved him still.

(Takes a few steps L.) He would have loved me. Now I'll hate him. I hate her.

I can't see them together.

(Sobbing) Why didn't you tell me what it meant? When I was little why did you let me love him and be happy? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me?

Esther Oh, I hoped — Zina (Facing door L.) It'll be Rhoda too. Oh, I can't -- I can't stay here.

I'm going to take her away. She'll never reproach me the way I'm reproaching you.

8 Esther (Crossing slowly L. to Zina) They won't let you take her away.

You must submit.

(ANNIS ENTERS R.C. DOOR, FOLLOWED BY DAN. ESTHER TURNS AND SEES THEM, THEN SLOWLY EXITS L. ZINA TURNS AND SEES THEM AND FACES THEM.) Annis (Appealingly) Zina -Dan (Desperately) (Looking straight ahead) Well, it's done.

Zina (Speaks in a hard, dead voice) What are you doing here?

Annis My father wouldn't take me in.

Dan (Facing Zina) I had to bring her here -- if it's to be a secret.

Annis (Falteringly) It's as hard for me -- don't make it any harder. don't hate me.

(Sinks in chair R. of table) Dan (Unhappily) Zina, help me.

Don't look like that.

Zina

(To Annis, stonily) Take him.

(She moves to door L.C. and throws it open) There's our room.

Dan Zina !

Zina (Brokenly, moving to door L.) I have my children.

(EXITS L.) Dan (To Annis) She gave her consent.

Don't --

9 Annis (In a low strangled voice) Oh, you cowards – men. We women –- He's a man's God, not ours.

Dan I didn't want to do it. I was going to give up everything and go away. She wouldn't. I didn't know. I thought -perhaps –- if it were you –(To her suddenly) Well, why did you?

Annis If you couldn't help yourself, how could I? Dan It's too late.

(Despairingly) She'll never forgive me.

Annis She looked at me as if -- oh — (Covering her face with a shudder) I can't live here.

Dan (Crossing up to back of Annis) There's no place you can go to-night. have kept you there.

Your father should

Annis He meant to force it on us -- on Zina -- he did it purposely.

Dan I'll find some place for you.

Annis It doesn't matter -- anywhere, but here.

Brig (ENTERS R.C. wildly) (Shuts the door and crosses towards Dan) Now, this ends here! You can't debase yourself and these women and this house any further, you damned polygamist.

(Advances on Dan as if about to strike him) Annis (Seizes Brig's arm) Brig!

Brig.

(Taking Annis in his arms) Annis will never be any man's wife but mine. They called me into their cursed Temple yesterday and offered you to me.

(To Dan) They offered her to me on the same devilish terms that they offered to you. If I wouldn't degrade myself and her by accepting them, you shan't.

10 Dan Did they want you to marry her?

Brig.

Yes, you poor fool fanatic -- if I'd slave. I refused and they threw her on me. You weak tool. You let them Annis and me. If you'd had backbone

been your kind of a to you to be revenged do this to Zina and enough --

Dan (Controlled) Well, what are you going to do?

Brig I'll show you what I'm going to do.

She can't stay here.

Dan Where's she to go?

Brig She's going with me.

Annis I can't, Brig.

Brig.

You will.

Annis I can't!

Dan (Crossing to between Brig and Annis) That's it. She can't -- you can't -- I can't! And we all drop into a pit together, struggling to save ourselves.

Oh, if I had known-- if I'd realized what it meant for all of us.

Brig You've got nothing to do with us.

You go to your wife.

Dan (Heartbrokenly) I can't go to Zina. I've lost her.

(Pauses a moment and then EXITS R.C.) Brig (To Annis) You knew. You've been through this before. You knew what it would mean to me. You didn't even try -- you didn't even come to me.

11 Annis (Speaks fiercely) You were drunk! You came here drunk. You brought this whole thing down on us by attacking my father. And then you go off to some hole where no one can find you.

Brig Don't -- don't. I know I've been a coward. My life has gotten to such a point that I can't endure it, unless I drug myself against the thought of it. I can't sleep!

Annis (Brokenly and crossing to him) Oh -- forgive me, Brig. I didn't mean to blame you.

I'm sorry.

Brig.

Well, I am to blame. It was my fault, but now I'm going to undo it.

Annis It's too late. They forced Dan to go into polygamy. And they forced Zina to consent. If it hadn't been me, it would have been somebody else, -- worse for Zina -- worse for Dan. Brig.

Never you mind about Zina and Dan. about.

It's you we're talking

Annis What does it matter about me?

(Sits front of table) I've been sacrificed and sacrificed. My girlhood -- my whole life -- until I hadn't the strength -- I haven't the strength to fight them.

Brig Well, I have the strength. I failed you then, but I never will again. If you've got any love for me at all, let us save each other. It isn't only your life -- it's mine.

Annis What can we do?

We can go East.

Brig I can get work in Chicago.

Annis

(Shaking her head) It's impossible.

12 Brig It isn't impossible. You're a free woman -- if you'd only wake up to it. They've got you hypnotized. This marriage -- do you suppose for a moment that they dare to try publicly to hold you with that? The canting hypocrites with their flim-flam and their special revelations. Let them stew here together in their polygamous mess.

Annis (Rises in horror) Brig, it's all I have left -- my religion. I lost you for it -- I've lost myself for it. There's nothing for me in this world or the next without it.

Brig (Taking Annis in his arms) Annis, I'll make this life so happy for you, you'll never think of the next. It was the loss of you that crippled me. If I get you, I'll be what I ought to have been. Out there -- together -- we'll forget all this misery and trouble and superstition. You'll be a different woman -I'll be a different man. -- We'll live for each other -happy.

Annis (Breaking away. In a hoarse voice) It's too late.

(Works up L.C. then turns to Brig) I've just come -- from the altar -- I've sworn -- before God. Brig.

Well, he can't have you, not even God. Annis Brig!

Brig I'll take you if I have to carry you.

Annis (Retreating up L.C. to door) Brig!!

Brig You've got to come.

Annis (Retreating from Brig until she is at the door L.C., which she enters) You're mad, Brig.

(She enters the room and slams the door against Brig and locks it.)

13 Brig (At the door trying to open it) You've got to come -- I tell you. Come out of that room.

It's Dan's.

(He stops suddenly, pulling himself together, speaks) Well, Dan'll never enter it.

(He turns, crosses to door P.C. and EXITS wildly)

(The stage is still for a moment, then the door L. opens and ZINA ENTERS, evidently half mad with grief. Seeing no one she goes quickly to the door of her room, as if to open it and confront them. Finding it locked, she stands an instant as if stricken, then sinks to the floor and lies there a prostrate, shuddering figure, as the

C U R T A I N

END

OF

F A L L S.

ACT

III.

ACT

IV.

The next morning.

The scene discloses ZINA still prostrate before the door of her room. She lies motionless as if unconscious. Sunlight streams through the windows R. After a moment, the door at back R.C. opens and DAN enters.

He comes in slowly, with dragging steps, utterly exhausted. His face is drawn and haggard, as if he had not slept. He comes in and noticing that lights are still burning, he goes to switch on wall L. of door R.C. and turns out lights. Then he notices ZINA and hurriedly crosses to her.

Dan Hurrying to her) Zina ! -- Dan !

(He goes on his knees beside her and takes her in his arms.

She stirs.)

My God ! I thought you'd killed yourself.

(She clings to him with a little cry) Forgive me! Help me. Zina! -- I'll do anything -Zina Oh, Dan! Dan! (He lifts her in his arms and carries her to the sofa R. and kneels beside her, holding her in his arms and caressing her. They ad lib until she is placed comfortably on couch. Dan back of couch.)

Dan (Disconnectedly) I've been -- at them -- all night -- to try and make them free me from it.

Zina Oh, Dan -- I can't bear it.

Dan No -- no ! Neither can I! If they refuse to annul it, we've got to go away. Let's leave it. I can't have you suffer.

Zina Oh -- I can't help it, Dan!

2 Dan I've thought it all out -- I've been thinking about it all night. Give me a month. Don't let us say anything, but just give me a month. It will take me that long to get straightened out -- with my affairs. I'll sell out everything and get free of them. We'll have enough to live on. I'll find something to do. You've got to help me, Zina. You've got to pull yourself together.

Zina (Sitting up with her arm over his shoulder) Yes -- yes.

Dan We've got to be careful. We mustn't let We've got to do it gradually. We've got we're going through with it -- that it's then, when we're ready, I'll just resign and we'll go.

them suspect. to pretend that all right. And from everything

Zina Oh, yes -- let us go.

Dan Where's Annis?

Zina (Looking about the room vaguely, till her eyes rest on the locked door) She must be there. The door's locked. I thought you were with her.

(She clings to him again) Dan (Holding her close) Never -- never! Nobody but you!

Zina (Slight pause) Dan, where's Brig?

Dan Brig's all right -- he understands. He's been doing what he can to help me with them all night.

Zina (Rising. Suddenly hysterical in his arms) Oh, Dan! Oh, I'm so glad. I thought I'd lost you. I thought it was all over -- that I'd never be happy again.

I wanted to die, Dan. I wanted to die.

Dan Oh -- sweetheart! Sweetheart.

(He holds her, caressing her, until she stops sobbing) You must go and get some rest. Let me take you upstairs.

He helps her to her feet and assists her towards door L.) You'll need all your strength. I'm depending on you.

We've got trouble ahead.

3 Dan (Exit up L., with Zina) (ENTER KEMBLE and TANNER at back R.C., ESTHER preceding) Tanner (Coming in last) This is no time, Brother Kemble, for half-way measures.

The more you sympathize with their feelings, the more you encourage their rebellion.

(ESTHER looks about apprehensively, then moves down to chair back of table and sits) Kemble (Sits L. of table) Brother Moroni, I think you made a serious mistake in forcing Dan to bring Annis to this house. I know these children better than you do -- they could have been influenced more by gentle persuasion.

Tanner (Sits R. of table) There's been too much gentle persuasion in your family. I don't have to argue with my daughter. I tell her the will of the Lord. I wanted her to live polygamy, not merely be sealed to it.

Kemble They haven't lived it yet, and I don't think Annis lived it very successfully with Apostle Grey.

Tanner This time there's going to be no mistake. I shall take effective measures to meet any plan of Dan's or of hers to escape the obligations that they assumed at the altar yesterday.

(Esther and Kemble exchange looks. Pause) Kemble (Warningly) ((Rises and walks down L.) Be prudent, Brother Moroni. The Prophet will not support you in any personal vindictiveness.

Tanner We've handled cases like this before. Keep those three people in this house together for a few months and keep Dan's financial fortunes there — (Showing his clenched hand) and God will take care of the rest.

(ENTER DAN L. and crosses to L. of Esther.

Kemble and Tanner changes at once.)

Esther (Rises, seeing his distress) Dan !

The demeanor of

4 Kemble Daniel, as the fathers of your two wives, Apostle Tanner and I have come here this morning to dedicate this house and your family to the celestial order of marriage, to pray with you, to bless your wives that they may be fruitful and bear you many children for your eternal glory.

(Dan looks at him in stupefaction) Call Zina to prayers.

Tanner And call Annis.

Dan (Up to door L.C.) Zina has been up all night – she's not able -- she can't stand any more.

Esther Where is she, Dan? Dan Upstairs.

Esther I think I'll go to her.

(Exits L.) Where's Annis?

Dan (Pointing to room at back) She's in there.

(Tanner rises and starts to door L.) No -- wait!

(To Kemble) Apostle Kemble, you promised me last night that you would see the Prophet.

Tanner Daniel, I've had charge of this case, not Brother Kemble, and I don't intend to worry the Prophet with any more talk about it.

Dan (Ignoring Tanner) And we've got to go through with this?

Tanner Yes -- call your wives.

Dan (Crosses R. front of table) No -- that's useless. Zina is not reconciled. She'll not come -- I'll not have her tortured.

(Tanner goes to Annis' door, knocks once and calls)

5 Tanner Annis -- Annis!

(He waits an instant then tries the door, finding it locked, he turns baffled to Dan) Has she been locked in there all night?

Dan (Back of couch down R.) I suppose so -- I don't know.

(To Kemble - with emotion) Zina was lying at that door all night.

Kemble Poor child !

(To Tanner) You must give these children mare time.

Tanner The only way to do is the way I did -- marry two wives at the same time at one altar, than there isn't any more kicking about polygamy after that.

Kemble (Moving to go) Dan, tell Zina I left my blessing for her.

Dan (Stopping him with a gesture) Just a moment. The only way I can go through with this is to get out of my political and financial responsibilities.

I don't feel that I can do as some of the brethren do and go out in the world to positions where I'd have to deny that I was a polygamist. I'm going to tell the Prophet that I don't want to go to Congress. And I'd like to dispose of my interests in the sugar factories –- so as to devote my tine to church affairs. I think I'd like to go to Mexico or Canada.

Tanner (Back of table C.) Why not go on as you have been?

Dan I've denied polygamy a thousand times in my talks with people in the East. I couldn't look them in the face.

Tanner The spirit of the gospel isn't very strong in you, Daniel.

The Lord commands his servants to keep these sacred things concealed from the world. There are too many wicked and designing men who would use the truth to help them overthrow His kingdom.

6 Dan I have –- I have no gift of -- of concealment. That's why I feel it is better for me to drop out of -- of these large affairs.

(To Tanner) I want to dispose of my interest in our partnership.

Tanner I do not think the Prophet would be pleased to have you drop out and he holds all your stock as trustee.

Dan (Somewhat confused) Well, I'd like to realize on it.

Tanner You don't need any money immediately. Let things go on for the present. If everything is all right, I'll buy your stock a year from today and pay the cash for it, and I'll give all that stock to Annis' first child.

(Dan takes few steps R. – shows disgust) (Suavely) Dan, you might as well recognize your position at once.

The Prophet expects this marriage with Annis to be a real marriage -- I expect it. Any attempt on your part to extricate your affairs from a partnership with the Church will be looked upon as a first step toward an evasion of your duty. It will not be permitted.

Dan Do you mean to tell me that you -- that the Prophet -Tanner (Interrupting) I mean to tell you that every dollar you have in the world belongs to the Prophet of God. You have had the use of it as a good son of the Church. It will be withdrawn from you and your wives and your children if you show yourself unworthy.

Dan (To Kemble) I worked for that money. I built that sugar factory myself. I've served the Church without pay all my life. My children -Kemble Daniel, you and your wives and your children are in the hands of the Prophet of God. (BRIG. ENTERS R.C. and stands still.)

Tanner You've got to do your duty in the celestial order of marriage.

(To Brig as he passes him) I leave my daughter safe in her husband's bed.

(Indicating the room up L.C.)

7

Brig You beast (He drags him by the throat and forces him to his knees) (Dan rushing to interfere.)

Dan Brig -- don't -- don't -Kemble (Helping to pull Tanner away.)

Brigham, are you out of your mind?

Brig Yes, by God -- yes!

(Rushing at Tanner again) Dan (Forcing him back) No, Brig -- stop -- don't !

Brig (Struggling to get at him) Get out of here!

Tanner I'll make an example of you that'll put the fear of God into the hearts of this family.

(Exits R.C. followed by Kemble) Dan You'll do no good that way -- you'll simply destroy yourself.

Brig (Crossing L. front of table) I'd have killed him! Damn scrawny neck!

(As if he still felt it in his hands) Dan Yes -- if it only had a neck that you could get hold of.

(Sit on couch) Brig, I'm in a trap.

Brig.

You've been in a trap all your life -- the trouble is you've only just found it out. I saw it when they tried to put me into it. You didn't have sense enough to see it till you tried to escape.

Dan What am I going to do?

Brig.

You can't do anything. The door can't be opened from the inside. You and Zina are here and you've got to stay here.

But I'm going to take Annis.

Dan Good God ! That means disaster for us all.

Brig They can't hold you and Zina responsible for that.

8 Dan They will!

Brig (Taking few steps down L.) I don't care -- I'm going to take her!

Dan If you could take her, why didn't you do it last night?

Brig (Up to L. of table) She wouldn't come. This religion holds her. Revelations -revelations from God! If what has happened in this house hasn't been a revelation to you all that polygamy is wrong, you'll have to be struck by lightning.

Dan I've been so busy preaching this religion that I haven't had the time to ask myself whether it was true or not.

Brig Well, you'll have plenty of time from now on.

(ESTHER and ZINA enter L.) Esther (Going to Brig, directly) Oh, my boy -- my boy!

Brig.

(Putting his arms about her) Now, mother, you must go home. You're worn out -- there's no use worrying you.

Esther Aren't you going to try to make it up with your father?

Brig No. Esther Oh, Briggy -- let me try -Brig (Up C.) No -- we've got to a place where you can't help it. It's got to be fought out to some finish. I can't go back.

Esther I see I can't help.

(Moving up to the door R.C.) Children! -- Mothers! -- whatever you do -(To Zina and Dan) Whatever you do, don't forget that I shall be loving you and praying for you.

Zina (Going to her) Mother -- dear mother !

9 Esther Oh -- my girl -- my girl!

(She kisses her and goes out R.C.) Brig Zina, you and Dan have got to help me with Annis.

(Zina to door L.C.) She can't live here and you know it. You've got to help me get her away.

Zina Annis ! Annis !

(She waits an instant, then turns in some alarm) She doesn't answer !

(Brig. goes quickly to door and knocks and calls) Brig.

Annis -- Annis ! It's all right -- open the door –- Annis!

(He turns, trying to control his alarm) Have you got a key to this door?

Dan No —(Rising) Zina (Breathlessly, in almost a whisper) My God -- what has she done?

Brig (Frantically) Get a key to this door!

Dan It's on the inside.

(Going up to door) Brig Here -- help me break it.

(He puts his shoulder against the door and. strains at the panels. They try pressing against it together) Brace against it !

(Dan crouches in forcibly with his shoulder and Brig, standing by, throws himself against the door with his knee up. Zina has gone away R. and stands intently watching.

The lock yields and the door flings open. Both men dash into the room out of sight. There is a silence an instant, then Dan dashes out followed by Brig. more slowly. He leans against the doorway as if stricken) She's gone!

Dan The window's open.

Zina (Clinging to Dan in fear) Oh, Dan -- Dan -- suppose she's --Dan But there could she go?

There's no --

10 Zina She's killed herself.

Brig.

My God! (Sinks on couch and covers face with hands) No, no.

Dan She's just run away.

Zina She's killed herself, I know.

Dan (Resignedly) That finishes it.

I was so near it myself.

(BATHSHEBA appears at door R.C. with ANNIS, who can barely walk.)

Who's that?

Zina Oh, Annis.

Brig.

(Having gone up to ANNIS as she entered, now takes her in his arms and crosses down to couch, speaking as he does so.)

Oh, easy dear, look at me. What have they done to you?

(Turns to Bathsheba with suspicion) Bathsheba Daniel Whitman, this girl's your wife. There is no use in her coming to me -- I can't shelter her, and they won't let anyone else shelter her.

There is no door open to her but this one. I don't know what the Kingdom of God is coming to. Nobody seems able to live up to their religion any longer.

Zina Oh, Bathsheba -- why did you bring all this trouble on us?

Bath.

(Sitting R. of table) Trouble -- trouble -- you seem to think of nothing but your own happiness. When I was a girl -- did I go running around crying on the streets because I wasn't happy?

Dan Bathsheba, we can't go on with this.

Bath.

There was a time in my life when I thought I couldn't go through with it, but I had to for the same reason that you have to. What are you going to do? Where are you going to live? Have you any money?

Dan (Shakes his head.)

11 Bath.

Of course you haven't! And by the time you've saved enough to get away you won't care -- you'll be resigned to it -the same as I was.

Zina (To Bathsheba, back of table) Oh, Bathsheba, why did you do it?

Bath.

Well -- I'm hard. If I'd been soft, how do you suppose I'd ever lived. This sort of life makes you hard. I'm no hypocrite, and I never was. I didn't see why you shouldn't live in polygamy if I had to.

Brig.

Bathsheba, these girls aren't made of the stuff that you're made of.

Bath.

You talk like a fool. The stronger you are the worse you suffer -- and the longer it lasts.

Zina Oh, Bathsheba, you do understand?

Dan You could help me -- I've been trying to get them to annul it.

Bath Never. They'll never annul it. I can give you money and that's all I can do. There!

(She has taken from a handbag a roll of bills and gives it to Dan) I have been saving that for twenty years -- dollar by dollar.

(She begins to break down) I thought -- sometime -- and then -- when I could get away it was too late -Zina (Going to her) Oh, Bathsheba -(Annis sits up, Brig. supporting her. Dan approaches intent on Bathsheba) Bath.

Keep away from me -- I'm a human being -- hating me -blaming me -- I'm not going to have you holding me responsible for your misery -- since you can't stand it.

Coming to me -- crying in the night -- if I got you into it -- there's money enough to get you out of it.

(She moves up to door) Zina Bathsheba!

12 Bath And if God wants to hold me responsible, I guess I can stand it. If I'm hard, I'm hard enough for that !

(EXIT R.C.) Brig Well, there goes another woman who is stronger than her religion.

Dan (Examining money) It's thousand dollar bills.

Why, that means --

Annis Oh, Brig, it was so terrible last night -- in that room -Zina's ! I thought I should go mad -- and there was no place -- nobody to take me in.

Brig.

Never mind -- that's over. You don't need anybody but me.

You'll come with me, won't you?

Yes -- I'll go !

She's gone.

Annis Oh, take me away !

Zina Oh, Annis, do forgive me.

Annis When they told me I had to marry Dan it seemed so much better than it might have been -- I knew I could be safe with Dan. Dan (His arms about Zina) Brig, -- Annis and I were put on the rack last night. They wrung out of us vows that were empty -- words -- it can't bind us. Annis is where she belongs, -- take her.

Zina What is going to happen to us, Dan? Brig.

I'll tell you. If we're going to beat those people, we've got to beat them at their own game. They don't know we've got this money, and Bathsheba'll never tell them. Give me enough of it to go East and I'll make a place for you and Zina and Annis. You three stay here and pretend to knuckle down to them-- pretend you're going through with it.

Dan Fine. That will give me a chance to save something out of this wreck to save something for Zina and the kiddies.

Zina (Seeing open door) Dan, that door was open.

Brig.

13 You'll have to watch your doors after this.

Dan No, I don't run. You go ahead, Brig, I'll follow you as soon as I can. I have business associates -- I have to part with them honorably. But you go ahead, Brig.

Brig.

I'm going to start a newspaper exposure that will smash this fraud. They gave up polygamy before because they had to, and I'11 make them give it up again because they have to.

Dan All right, Brig. Go as far as you like. gives up polygamy, as long as we do.

I don't care who

Clara (ENTERING - breathlessly) Zina, he's going to have Brig arrested.

Zina Dan !

Clara He's gone for an officer.

(To Brig) He says you tried to kill him.

Dan (Alarmed) Wait! I'll get the machine. I'll run you across the state line.

(Going to door L.) Out the back, -- out this way.

(EXIT door L.) Zina Hurry, Dan, hurry.

Brig.

(Crossing L.) Come on, Annis.

We can buy what we need on the road.

Clara (Stopping ANNIS as she starts to cross L.) Annis, take me with you. I want to go home.

Annis Clara !

(Clara weeps on Annis' shoulder and drops glove) Brig.

Well, if this keeps up, Tanner'1l be reduced to monogamy himself.

Annis Yes, -- yes -- as soon as Dan -Zina

14 Out the back. Don't wait. Hurry.

(ANNIS and CLARA exit L.) If Tanner comes, I'll keep him here.

(Auto horn 3 times) Hurry!

Brig (Crossing to Zina) Don't worry, Zina. In a month that horn will be sounding for you.

(BRIG shakes hands with Zina and then EXITS L.) Zina (Business of straightening up room, picking up book and sitting on couch as if reading) Tanner In hall, back of door R.C. Off stage.)

I must see Sister Zina -(Appearing at door R.C., turning as if speaking to some one with him) You wait there.

(Entering room and coming down to Zina) Sister Zina, is your brother Brigham here?

Zina (Nervously) No. (Rising) He's going away. He's leaving Utah -- to get newspaper work somewhere else.

Tanner (Suavely) When does he go?

Zina I think he takes the train -- sometime this afternoon.

Tanner (After a pause, suspiciously) Where's Annis?

Zina She's gone out with Dan, --(Pause) In the automobile.

(In a strangled voice) I've forgiven her.

(Sits) Tanner (Still suspicious) So. She's going to stay here with you?

15 Zina Yes, for the present. Then she's going to find a place for herself -- somewhere else.

Tanner I see.

(His face clearing) You are -- reconciled?

Zina Oh, yes, yes.

To Annis?

Tanner And Daniel?

Zina (Deeply) We're happy again.

(She moves toward window.)

Tanner (Sitting) Well that alters the situation. Free of the bad influence of your brother -- and reconciled to your duty in the celestial order -(Zina looking out of the window, gives a stifled, nervous cry) What's that?

Zina I thought it was their car.

Tanner Oh! You're expecting them so soon?

I'll wait for them here.

Zina (Crossing L. back of TANNER) I'll be glad to have you wait. children ready for school.

(EXITS L.)

If you don't mind,

I must go.

I must get the

BUSINESS: Tanner sees glove, picks it up, looks at it, does not recognize it, throws it on the table, picks up book, starts to read ----- as S L O W

C U R T A I N.